Checking your tires is like checking your health. It’s important to keep an eye on them so you can keep yourself safe on the road and prevent any unnecessary repairs from unexpected damages. Here is a list of some signs that you may need new tires.
Table of Contents
- 1. Your Tires Fail The Penny Depth Test
- 2. You Can See the Tread Wearing Thin
- 3. You Can See the Tread Wear Indicator Bars
- 4. The Sidewalls of Your Tires are Cracked
- 5. Your Car is Vibrating While You Drive
- 6. Your Tire Pressure Light Comes On
- 7. Your Car Pulls To One Side While You Drive
- 8. Exposure to Heat and Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays Slowly Wears Out Tires
- 9. More Than 5 Years Since You’ve Replaced Your Tires
- Final Thought
1. Your Tires Fail The Penny Depth Test
One of the easiest and most effective ways to know if your tires need to be replaced is by doing the penny test. Simply take a penny, and put it upside down into one of your tire treads with Lincoln’s head facing downward.
If the top of his head is still visible, you have enough tread and you should be safe to drive. However, if you cannot see any part of his head at all, your tires are worn down and it’s time to replace them.
2. You Can See the Tread Wearing Thin
If you can see the tread wearing thin, it’s a sign that your tires need to be replaced. This is because the tread is what provides traction and grip on the road, so if it’s wearing down, your car will have less control over its movement. This can be especially dangerous in wet or icy conditions where traction is already compromised.
3. You Can See the Tread Wear Indicator Bars
If you can see the tread wear indicator bars, it means that your tires are getting close to the end of their life. These bars are located at the bottom of the tread and become visible when the tire is worn down to a certain point. At this point, you should start shopping for new tires so you can replace them before they fail completely.
4. The Sidewalls of Your Tires are Cracked
Another way to tell if your tires need to be replaced is by checking the sidewalls. If you see any cracks, bulges, or cuts, it means that the structural integrity of the tire has been compromised and it’s not safe to drive on. Sidewall damage can be caused by driving over potholes or other objects that can puncture or cut through the tire.
5. Your Car is Vibrating While You Drive
If your car is vibrating while you drive, it’s a sign that your tires are unbalanced or wearing unevenly. This could be caused by low air pressure in one or more of your tires and is usually accompanied by an unbalanced feeling while driving. To check this, simply pull over and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure level as indicated in your vehicle’s manual or on the side of the tire itself.
This is something that should be fixed immediately as it can cause premature tire wear and keep you unsafe especially when you drive the car at high speed.
6. Your Tire Pressure Light Comes On
If your tire pressure light comes on while you’re driving, it means that there is a problem with one or more of your tires. This could be caused by low air pressure, a puncture, or an internal structural problem with your tire. You should have this checked out as soon as possible to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
7. Your Car Pulls To One Side While You Drive
If your car pulls to one side while you drive, it’s a sign that your tires are out of alignment. This means that the angles of your tires are not matched up correctly and they are not meeting the road in the same way.
8. Exposure to Heat and Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays Slowly Wears Out Tires
Your tires are exposed to a lot of elements, including heat and the sun’s damaging UV rays. As a result, they slowly wear down over time and your tread starts to disappear as well. This is something that you should always keep an eye on so you know if it’s time for new tires or not.
9. More Than 5 Years Since You’ve Replaced Your Tires
Even if you don’t notice any of the other signs on this list, it’s important to replace your tires every 5 years or so. This is because tires are made of rubber and other materials that degrade over time, even if they don’t seem to be worn down. So, if it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your tires, it’s probably a good idea to get them checked out.
Final Thought
A car is only as safe as its tires, so it’s important to keep them in good condition at all times. New tires will provide you with better handling, stability, and peace of mind while driving.
If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to take your car into a tire shop for a professional mechanic inspection as soon as possible. Replacing your tires is an important safety precaution and can help prevent accidents and other issues on the road.
